Emiliano Martinez single-handedly carried Argentina towards the Copa America final and Arsenal fans expressed their frustration that the club let the keeper leave.
The Gunners bought the Argentine back in 2010 but he failed to establish himself as the first-choice keeper. During his time in north London, he was loaned out six times and made fringe appearances for the Emirates club.
The 28-year-old grabbed his opportunity at the back end of the 19/20 season after Bernd Leno picked up a long-term injury. The shot-stopper quickly became a fan favourite and helped the club lift a record 14th FA Cup title.
However, the Argentine was sold to fellow Premier League club Aston Villa in the following season and he has showcased his talent at Villa Park by helping Dean Smith’s side to a mid-table finish.
Emiliano Martinez has been in terrific form for Argentina in the Copa America 2021. He made five appearances in the competition, with a staggering 82% save percentage.
The goalkeeper put in a scintillating performance against Colombia. The 28-year-old made a couple of world-class saves and also repelled three penalties in the shoot-out to secure a place in the final.
Here are some of the tweets from frustrated Arsenal fans:
https://twitter.com/UtdWesleyy/status/1412757002506354688
Emiliano Martinez not getting recognized by Arsenal for nearly a decade should be considered a war crime.
— Marvin the Paranoid Android (@Boboye_Ak) July 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/somettan_/status/1412660351531769863
https://twitter.com/KoneMoheavy/status/1412610024195637250
https://twitter.com/bra_melo_/status/1412610734371086340
Damn Arsenal should of kept Emiliano Martinez
— paper boi (@FinnHuqq) July 7, 2021
Emiliano Martinez has turned into an amazing goalkeeper. Selling him was a mistake on Arsenal's part especially if they loose Leno this summer or the next
— Aisha (@Sayyi_AS) July 7, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
Despite enjoying a great time at Aston Villa, letting Emiliano Martínez leave was not a bad decision from Arsenal. The goalkeeper wanted regular first-team football at this stage of his career, fulfilling that wish was not possible at the Emirates due to the presence of Brend Leno.
However, without a proper challenger, the German shot-stopper lost his consistency last season. The goalkeeper made a couple of bad mistakes at the back end of the season which cost the north London club a place in Europe for the first time in 25 years. With Leno’s future uncertain at the club, the decision of selling the Argentine doesn’t seem to be a good idea in hindsight.
Arsenal have been accused of selling players without recognizing their true potential in the past. They sold Wojciech Szczęsny and Serge Gnabri who have been impressive at their respective clubs. However, in this case, they did the right thing by letting Martínez leave but failed to spend the transfer fee wisely.
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